Fire bans are no joke as grass fires, wildfires burn in Manitoba
Grass fires and wildfires are threatening people across the province and in different parts of Winnipeg. Crews from B.C. have arrived to help, and officials are urging people to obey fire bans.
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CBC
37 minutes ago
- CBC
Poor air quality, moderate risk level still affecting Ottawa-Gatineau
The Ottawa-Gatineau region is still experiencing poor air quality from drifting wildfire smoke, prompting Environment Canada to maintain its special air quality statements into Saturday. The agency issued the statements for most of the region on Friday as of 7 a.m., which spread to blanket all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. As of 9 a.m. Saturday, Kingston, Ont. and the surrounding area had its special air quality statement lifted, but the statement is still in place in Ontario as far south as Smith's Falls and stretching east all the way to the Georgian Bay. In western Quebec, the statement stretches east along the Quebec-U.S. border and north stopping short of Val-d'Or. The Air Quality Health Index for downtown Ottawa was six, or moderate risk, on Saturday as of 9 a.m. On Friday, it had risen to the highest level which Environment Canada issues (10+, or very high). Saturday morning's index for other eastern Ontario communities were, as of 9 a.m.: Four, or moderate risk, in Kingston. Five, or moderate risk, in Belleville. Five, or moderate risk, in Cornwall. The smoke may pose health risks, Environment Canada said, advising people in affected areas to limit time outdoors and to consider rescheduling outdoor activities. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit also warned of health risks and advised residents to watch for symptoms including: Eye, nose and throat irritation. Coughing. Headaches. Dizziness. Chest pains. Difficulty breathing. Both agencies said people over 65, pregnant people, children, people with pre-existing health conditions and people who work outdoors are more likely to be impacted by air pollution. Wildfires are raging across Western Canada, with B.C, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all battling blazes. Air quality warnings were issued from the Alberta-B.C. border into Labrador as of Friday morning and largely remain in place as of 9 a.m. Saturday.
CTV News
42 minutes ago
- CTV News
Forest fire smoke prompts air quality concerns across northeastern Ontario
Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for much of northeastern Ontario, including areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for much of northeastern Ontario, including areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. 'Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,' the statement said Saturday. 'High levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected to return tonight and persist into Sunday. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.' Symptoms caused by forest fire smoke in the air include eye irritation, headaches and mild coughing. 'More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough,' Environment Canada said. 'If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.' Keep windows closed People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. 'When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible,' Environment Canada said. 'When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution. Learn more by clicking here. Click here for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
How a hot Italian saved my son's wedding day
More Weddings | Why are couples opting for two weddings? | Wedding guest wardrobe guide | The rise of the social-media wedding The night before our eldest son's wedding, I was in our cottage trying not to hyperventilate. The wind was howling, torrential rain was falling, and the bride-to-be was sobbing in the bedroom directly below ours. It was – to say the least – an inauspicious start to what was supposed to be a joyful, beautiful celebration last August in Lake of Bays, a popular summer spot about two hours north of Toronto. We had thought we had all our bases covered – venue, caterer, booze, transportation, accommodation for the 54 guests – until Hurricane Debby touched down in Florida and started making her way up the East Coast, causing misery and mayhem every step of the way. Readers: Tell us about the best wedding you ever attended Our situation was further complicated by the fact that the wedding was on an island, in the middle of a lake, which meant guests had to be ferried over by boat. I pictured women in lovely summer dresses and men in linen suits, drenched to the skin, and seasick from being tossed about in the choppy water. A hurricane is something you just don't plan for, and we were all momentarily paralyzed. All of us, except for a girl from Derbyshire, England (our youngest son's girlfriend) who said she knew exactly what we needed to do: Plant a sausage. 'We have a tradition at home of burying a sausage the day before a special event to bring good luck and great weather,' she told us cheerfully. I looked at my husband, he looked at me with an eyebrow raised, and I ran to the freezer, pulled out a hot Italian sausage from Costco, and put it in a Ziploc bag. Then the wedding party – who were spending that night on the island – headed out. I later saw photographs of the ceremonial sausage planting, with eight bedraggled young people, cocktails in hand, digging a hole. The bride reverently placed the sausage into the dirt. The hole was refilled. A prayer was said. And everyone went to bed hoping for a miracle. The wedding day dawned. Sadly, it didn't look good. Rain was still falling. The sky was an ugly grey. Resigned, my husband and I packed up our wedding outfits and took our boat to the island to start getting ready. It was time to put our game face on and make the best of it. Then, about noon, the hot Italian began to work its magic. Blue patches appeared in the sky. The cold north wind was replaced with a warm, gentle breeze. We all looked at each other in disbelief. Not a word was said. No one wanted to jinx whatever weirdness was happening. Two hours later, as the first guests stepped off the boat, the sun was beaming down, the sky was clear, and spirits were high. All everyone could talk about was the bizarre turn of the weather. That night as the speeches were happening, and the sun sank into the water leaving the sky a glorious display of red, pink and yellow, I gave thanks to the humble sausage and to the Brits, or the Scots (it's unclear who invented this wacky tradition) for saving our kids' special day. My advice to anyone with a wedding, or other special event on the horizon? Hope for the best, but prepare for the 'wurst.' And if you're still skeptical, don't just take my word for it. TikTok is full of testimonials – and hilarious videos – from grateful brides who have buried bratwurst, knackwurst, weisswurst, chorizo, breakfast sausages and even salami – and seen their rainy wedding days turn sunny, too.
